A Chattooga County man was arrested following a domestic-related dispute between neighbors that escalated into alleged threats and a physical altercation, according to a sheriff’s office report.
Consumer advocate Erin Brockovich is set to return to Northwest Georgia later this month as part of an expanded effort focused on testing for PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” in Rome and Dalton.
The Live Healthy Chattooga County Coalition is inviting vendors and community members to take part in the 2nd Annual Health Fair set for Saturday, April 18, 2026.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center in Summerville and will focus on promoting health, wellness, and preventive care across the community.
Organizers say the health fair will feature a wide range of free health screenings, including cholesterol and glucose checks, blood pressure and BMI screenings, HIV testing, prostate and colorectal cancer screenings, vision exams, dental screenings, and hands-on CPR demonstrations. Mammograms will also be available by appointment.
The coalition is encouraging local vendors to participate, offering an opportunity to connect with community members, promote services, and support ongoing health initiatives in Chattooga County. Each vendor will be provided with a table and chairs, and organizers say door prizes are encouraged but optional.
Vendor setup is scheduled for Friday, April 17, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Officials say the event aims to improve access to healthcare resources while raising awareness about preventive health measures and overall well-being.
Those interested in participating or seeking more information are encouraged to contact the Live Healthy Chattooga County Coalition.
Here is the arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Wednesday, March 18, 2026:
Firefighters responded Monday to a structure fire at 251 Sloppy Floyd Lake Road. Summerville, Hays Correctional and Gore fire departments all responded to the scene.
Fire officials told WZQZ News the fire is believed to have started at the front of the residence, although the exact cause remains under investigation. Firefighters say suppression efforts were complicated by a large amount of material in and around the front of the home, which added fuel to the fire.
Officials said this was the second structure fire reported on the property this year.
This weekend on Georgia Focus, hear how artistic engagement could help promote brain health and emotional well-being for people living with Alzheimer’s disease.
The program will spotlight research involving Dr. Monica Parker, a neurologist with the Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at Emory, and the work of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, which recently awarded $200,000 to support research in partnership with Arts + Health Laboratory: Georgia’s NeuroArts Coalition.
Researchers are studying how music and other forms of art may improve mood, behavior, and daily functioning for people living with cognitive impairment. The two-year project is designed to gather more data on how music-based interventions can positively affect brain health and overall well-being.
Dr. Parker says research already shows music can benefit people with cognitive impairment, but more study is needed to better understand what kind of music and what level of exposure may be most effective.
Tune in this Sunday morning at 6 a.m. to Georgia Focus on WZQZ to hear more from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and Dr. Monica Parker as they discuss the positive effects of music on people with brain-related conditions.
A man was arrested following a traffic-related incident on March 11 after deputies discovered illegal drugs inside a disabled vehicle.
According to the report, deputies approached a vehicle stopped on the roadside and made contact with the driver, identified as 55-year-old John Wayne Cook. While speaking with Cook, officers detected the odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle, giving them probable cause to conduct a search.
During the search, deputies located suspected marijuana, along with a clear plastic container holding a substance believed to be methamphetamine. Authorities also conducted a field test, which returned a positive result for fentanyl.
Cook was taken into custody and charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of a Schedule II controlled substance. He was transported to jail without further incident.
The City of Summerville will host Hee Haw Tribute Shows on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21 at the Summerville Train Depot. The event will feature tributes to classic Hee Haw skits including “Rindercella,” Samples Sales, Gossip Girls, and more.
Organizers say a cast of more than 18 performers will bring 90 minutes of laughter and interactive fun to the stage. Showtimes are set for Friday at 7 p.m., with three performances on Saturday at 3 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9 p.m.
Advance tickets are available at Summerville City Hall for $15, with additional tickets available at the door if space allows. Concessions will also be available, and seating will open 15 minutes prior to each show.
Youth and mobility-impaired hunters in Georgia will get an early start to turkey season during a special hunt set for March 21-22, 2026, on private lands. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division says the opportunity allows eligible hunters to harvest a gobbler before the statewide season officially opens.
The community is invited to attend the 1st Annual Lucky Charm Cheer Classic, a cheerleading competition and fundraiser benefiting Georgia Elite Allstars and Trion High School Cheerleading. The event will take place Sunday, March 22 at 2 p.m. in the Trion High School gymnasium.
The competition will feature recreation, performance, school, and all-star cheer and dance teams from across the region. Organizers say 21 teams and more than 200 athletes from surrounding counties are expected to compete, promising an afternoon full of energy, entertainment, and community spirit.
Proceeds from the event will support athlete development, competition opportunities, uniforms, and program needs for both organizations. Event organizer Tashia Knapp says the goal is to give athletes a fun platform to perform while strengthening local cheer programs, adding that community support has been overwhelming.